Rouen Cathedral Tours

Rouen Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Rouen Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects
Rouen Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Rouen Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral and interior views
Rouen Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture


Gaze in awe at this striking Gothic cathedral, which is home to towering spires, elaborate artwork and tombs of famous kings.

Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (Rouen Cathedral) to marvel at its Gothic grandeur, admire magnificent sculptures and stained-glass windows and visit the vaults of famous kings. The beautiful cathedral dates back to the 12th century and stands on the site of a former 4th-century church. French impressionist Claude Monet immortalized the Gothic cathedral in his famous Rouen Cathedral Series.

A major highlight of the cathedral is its intricately designed exterior. Look for sculptures above the Porte Central (main door), which symbolize the family tree of Jesus. Sculptures above the Porte St-Jean (left door) and Porte St-Etienne (right door) portray the martyrdoms of St. John the Baptist and St. Stephen. Look up at the three soaring spires. The iron- and bronze-plated Tour Lanterne is the most impressive and is almost 500 feet (150 meters) tall.

Inside, the cathedral is a veritable treasure trove of art and history. See colorful stained-glass windows representing scenes from medieval times to the early Renaissance period. View sculptures of famous saints and the elegant l'Escalier des Libraires (Stairway Booksellers). Admire the imposing pillars and vaulted arcades.

Don’t miss the tombs of noblemen and royalty. These include the crypt of Rollo, Duke of Normandy. Most famous of all is a tomb that containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart, King of England.

Located at the heart of Rouen’s historic city center, the cathedral is within walking distance of other major city attractions. Stroll along the architecturally impressive Rue des Gros Horloge, home to the opulent Gros Horloge clock. Visit Place du Vieux Marché (Old Market Square) to see the modern Église Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc (Church of St. Joan of Arc). Public buses stop near the cathedral. The closest tram stop is Théâtre des Arts, a 5-minute walk away.

Rouen Cathedral is open daily. Admission is free. Guided tours of the baptistery, chapel and crypt are available on weekends and weekdays during school holidays. The cathedral is an active place of worship dress appropriately and remain quiet when visiting. Check the cathedral’s official website for more information on opening times, tours and concerts.

Reviews of Rouen Cathedral

4.7
Top Destination
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5 - Excellent 67%
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5/5 - Excellent

Michael

Beautiful, Rollo the Viking is entombed there! Great Disney like light show on the outside at night!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Rouen Cathedral

Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale

Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale

4 out of 5
7 rue Croix de Fer, Accès Parking via Rue des Arsins, Rouen, Seine-Maritime
Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale
Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre

4 out of 5
6-8 Rue du Donjon, Rouen
Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre
Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

5 out of 5
15 Place de la Pucelle, Rouen, Seine-Maritime
Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection
Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Champ-de-Mars

Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Champ-de-Mars

4 out of 5
12 bis Avenue Aristide Briand, Rouen, Seine-Maritime
Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Champ-de-Mars
Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert, Signature Collection

Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert, Signature Collection

4 out of 5
33, rue du Vieux Palais, Rouen
Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert, Signature Collection
Hyatt Place Rouen

Hyatt Place Rouen

4 out of 5
77 Route De Neufchatel, Rouen
Hyatt Place Rouen
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rouen Centre Cathédrale

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rouen Centre Cathédrale

10 Quai de la Bourse RouenFrance, Rouen
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rouen Centre Cathédrale
Grand Hôtel de la Seine

Grand Hôtel de la Seine

4 out of 5
14 Quai Gaston Boulet, Rouen, Seine-Maritime
Grand Hôtel de la Seine
ibis Rouen Centre Champ de Mars

ibis Rouen Centre Champ de Mars

3 out of 5
12 Avenue Aristide Briand, Rouen, Seine-Maritime
ibis Rouen Centre Champ de Mars
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Rouen Cathedral

When visiting Rouen Cathedral, you can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including hiking, biking, and yoga. Take advantage of outdoor seating options to relax and soak in the views. Guided tours are available for a deeper understanding of the cathedral's history, and sightseeing opportunities abound. For added convenience, tourist cars can help you explore the surrounding area with ease.

Shopping

For shopping near Rouen Cathedral, visit Saint Sever, just 0.8 miles away, offering a lively atmosphere with entertainment and shops. If you're up for a drive, check out Centre Commercial Barentin, located 9 miles away, featuring various stores and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Experience the serene Rouen Mont-Saint-Aignan Golf Course, just 2 miles from the cathedral, ideal for a refreshing day outdoors. Lery-Poses Golf, 11 miles away, and Golf du Vaudreuil, 14 miles away, also offer beautiful settings for relaxation and recreation amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Rouen Espace Karting, located 2 miles from Rouen Cathedral, or challenge your skills at Normandie Karting, 5 miles away. For a dose of outdoor excitement, head to S2PL Saint Pierre Paintball Loisirs, 11 miles from the cathedral, for an action-packed day.

Nightlife

In Rouen, the nightlife around the Cathedral offers excitement at Aero d'Evreux, an arcade AdventureZone with thrilling games located 29 miles away. For more fun, head to Bowling du Pays de Bray, another arcade AdventureZone just 25 miles away, perfect for adventurous vibes and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Rouen Cathedral

When visiting Rouen Cathedral, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area. Explore the stunning architecture of the cathedral itself, stroll through the charming streets nearby, and relax in the picturesque piazzas. Don't miss attractions related to the Dame Cathedral of Rouen and other local sites in Rouen city, offering a blend of entertainment and cultural experiences that will enhance your visit.

  • Place du Vieux-Marche: This vibrant square, located 0.3 miles from Rouen Cathedral, is steeped in history and culture. Once the site of Joan of Arc's execution, it now buzzes with cafes and shops, making it a perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere.
  • Gros Horloge: Just 0.2 miles away, this stunning astronomical clock is a symbol of Rouen. Its intricate design and historical significance offer a unique glimpse into the city’s medieval past, all while serving as a lively focal point in the heart of the city.
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts: Situated 0.3 miles from the cathedral, this art museum boasts an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is a cultural treasure trove, showcasing works from renowned artists and providing a serene space for art lovers.

Best time to go to Rouen Cathedral

The best time to visit Rouen Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Rouen Cathedral falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Rouen Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rouen Cathedral

For a budget-friendly visit to Rouen Cathedral, consider traveling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Mondays. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future bookings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the cathedral, and utilize public transport options to save on travel costs. Always check for parking availability and entrance fees to better manage your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rouen Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Rouen Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Rouen Cathedral is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Rouen Cathedral with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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